The San Diego Comic-Con has announced that hotel reservations will open February 6, 2007, at noon Eastern time. The show is scheduled for July 25-29 this year.

If you’re planning to go, have a good time. I would be happy to entertain offers from publishers or retailers desiring experienced booth assistance, but barring that, I can’t afford to take the time and spend the money for a week-long cross-country trip. I look forward to seeing all the stories and coverage from those braver than I!

As someone who’s gotten hotel reservations in the past few years, I’ll say it is totally crazy. Last year, I spent that morning at my desk hitting refresh on the hotel webform (which, unsurprisingly kept timing out) while doing the hangup/redial dance on my office phone and my cell at the same time. Doing that consistently got me connected after some 20 minutes. I felt like I was back in college trying to get U2 concert tickets before they all sold out.

I don’t know if I can afford to go to San Diego this year (I’m really hoping I can get the finances worked out by then since I always really enjoy blogging about the experience) but I’m going to try to get room reservations. It’d be a nightmare trying to get a room if I waited to know if I can afford the trip or not.

Considering the hurdles involved, I can’t imagine anyone making that first trip to San Diego for CCI anymore, unless they’re lucky to have friends who live in the area. Unless you’ve already had a taste that you really liked, I can’t see it being worth the hassle.

I agree with Lyle. My first CCI was in 1993 when I drove down on Saturday(!) and easily found parking next to the convention center (which was half its current size). I wouldn’t recommend it to any first-timer without CCI-experienced friends/family who already have housing or a reserved room.